Description

1972 Roberto Clemente Signed Personal Check. PSA/DNA MINT
9.

UPDATE:The check was submitted for PSA grading after the
catalog went to print, and has received a Mint 9 rating.

The tragic Hall of Famer's autograph could not be considered
"common" in any format, but collectors of signed checks have been
bedeviled for decades by the scarcity of these official documents.
Perhaps two or three will change hands at auction each year, but
here we encounter the finest of that supply, Clemente's blue ink
rating a stellar 10/10 on a check free of any folds, tears or
stains.

The date of "May 10, 1972" and the "Atlanta Motor
Hotel" stamped payee correspond, as expected, to the last of a
two-game series at the Braves' Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
Seventy dollars is paid from the star outfielder's "Mellon
National Bank and Trust Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania"
account.

Clemente led the unsuccessful Pirates charge this day, going three
for four with a double in the eight to four defeat. Just eight
months later, the newly initiated member of the 3,000 Hit Club
would perish at sea, bringing an end to one of the game's most
brilliant careers, and securing Clemente's status as one of the
toughest autographs of post-war Hall of Famers. Full LOA from
PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.